Foreword

We are pleased to welcome you and your families to the joint symposium of 15th Symposium on Applications of Plasma Processes (SAPPXV) and 3rd EU-Japan Joint Symposium on Plasma Processing (EUJJSPP'05), which is held at the Grand Hotel Permon in Podbanske, Slovakia, on January 15th to 20th, 2005.
 


Plasma technology has been expanding in many new areas from fusion science to plasma applications for materials processing, environmental treatment, and next generation display technique. In the next decade, the plasma science is expected to serve as a base for nano-, bio-, and environmental technologies. We believe that all these technologies depend upon strong fundamental research, traditionally supported by our symposium. The symposium focuses on both traditional and emerging fields of plasma science. The extended six-day format provide excellent opportunities for both formal presentations and informal discussions.

Podbanske is a fantastic tourist destination both in summer and winter period. It is the entrance gate to the High Tatras National Park, located on the boundary of the High and West Tatras. This recreation area has fantastic view to the Mountains, and it is the best starting point to tackle the holy grail of the Tatra mountains, Mt. Krivan (2494 m). The peak has cast a powerful spell over generations of Slovaks and is revered in national lore. Unlike some of the better-known resort spots such as Strbske Pleso, it is never overrun with tourists at any time of the year. The area has excellent snow conditions and virtually no queuing to use the facilities the whole of the year round. The ski area in Podbanske is located only 400 m from the symposium hotel.

Thank you for coming to Slovakia and
joining the symposium. We are hope that you have a wonderful time
and opportunity to enjoy the enchantment of West Tatra Mountains.
 

Stefan Matejcik
Symposium Chair